Tiny home rules in Chicago, IL — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Chicago does not have specific tiny home regulations. Tiny homes on foundations are treated as standard dwelling units under the Building Code and Zoning Ordinance. The recently adopted ADU ordinance provides a pathway for accessory dwelling units but does not specifically address tiny homes on wheels.
Chicago's Zoning Ordinance and Building Code do not have a separate classification for tiny homes. Any permanent dwelling must comply with the full Chicago Building Code (Title 14B) for minimum room sizes, ceiling heights, egress, plumbing, electrical, and fire safety. The ADU ordinance, adopted by City Council, allows additional dwelling units on residential lots in certain zoning districts, which could accommodate a small permanent structure. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent residences under Chicago zoning. Manufactured homes must comply with HUD standards. Minimum lot sizes and building width requirements in RS districts may also present barriers.
Occupying a non-conforming structure as a dwelling carries building code violation fines of $500 to $1,000 per day. Zoning violations for unauthorized dwelling units carry fines of $250 to $1,000 per day.
Chicago, IL
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Chicago, IL
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Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflator-motor noise after hours is enforced under MCC Section 8-32 (noise), and sidewa...
Chicago, IL
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Chicago, IL
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Chicago, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle tiny homes.
See how Chicago's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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